Document Type
Patent
Publication Date
June 2014
Patent Number
8759662
Abstract
Thermoelectric elements may be used for heat sensors, heat pumps, and thermoelectric generators. A quantum-dot or nano-scale grain size polycrystalline material the effects of size-quantization are present inside the nanocrystals. A thermoelectric element composed of densified Groups IV-VI material, such as calcogenide-based materials are doped with metal or chalcogenide to form interference barriers form along grains. The dopant used is either silver or sodium. These chalcogenide materials form nanoparticles of highly crystal grains, and may specifically be between 1- and 100 nm. The compound is densified by spark plasma sintering.
Application Number
12/417,326
Recommended Citation
Nolas, George S., "Bulk dimensional nanocomposites for thermoelectric applications" (2014). USF Patents. 133.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/usf_patents/133
Assignees
University of South Florida
Filing Date
04/02/2009
Primary/U.S. Class
136/238
